Helping People & Species In Need

Human and animal societies are under great stress in the 21st century, and as privileged and knowledgeable people is it our responsibility, if not obligation, to help where and when we can. Being named after a tree and containing Houses named after endangered animals, Tembusu College feels a special commitment to biodiversity, the natural environment, and sustainability. This inculcates a particular awareness among our students of the dangers of habitat loss, the illegal trade in wildlife, and the ethics of human-animal relations – all highly relevant issues in Southeast Asia. Our students are also involved in projects, both within Singapore and in neighbouring countries, dedicated to actively helping the vulnerable – especially children and youths, the elderly, and those who have been marginalised in and by society. 

Kathy Ong Prize

Kathy Ong Prize

Tembusu students paint wall murals in aid of dementia-friendly community

Tembusu students paint wall murals in aid of dementia-friendly community

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Tembusu College alongside Firefly Mission, supporting children in Myanmar

Tembusu College alongside Firefly Mission, supporting children in Myanmar

Animal of the Year Initiative: Drawing Attention to Endangered Species

Animal of the Year Initiative: Drawing Attention to Endangered Species

tWild: Giving to an Elephant Rescue Center in Thailand

tWild: Giving to an Elephant Rescue Center in Thailand

Tembusu College Students Paint Easter Eggs To Benefit VSA Singapore

Tembusu College Students Paint Easter Eggs To Benefit VSA Singapore

Team Horsebackgobi: Racing Across Desert to Raise Donations for Riding for Disabled Association

Team Horsebackgobi: Racing Across Desert to Raise Donations for Riding for Disabled Association

tCambodia: Giving to an Elementary School in Siem Reap

tCambodia: Giving to an Elementary School in Siem Reap

tMentors: Giving to Elementary School Children in Singapore

tMentors: Giving to Elementary School Children in Singapore

Master's Event with Captain Budi Soehardi

Master's Event with Captain Budi Soehardi

Eco-Wiz & Biologik Fieldtrips

Eco-Wiz & Biologik Fieldtrips

Tembusu GlobeTrekkers: Walking Across a Desert to Raise Pocket Money for School Children

Tembusu GlobeTrekkers: Walking Across a Desert to Raise Pocket Money for School Children

Elephant Parade Project: Raising Money to Conserve Asian Elephants

Elephant Parade Project: Raising Money to Conserve Asian Elephants

Symposium : Human Trafficking, Be informed. Be the Change

Symposium : Human Trafficking, Be informed. Be the Change

The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats.